Where are the peripheral chemoreceptors located?

Peripheral chemoreceptors are primarily located in the carotid and aortic bodies, which are specialized clusters of cells situated at specific locations near the major arteries. The carotid bodies are found at the bifurcation of the common carotid arteries, while the aortic bodies are located along the aortic arch. These receptors play a crucial role in sensing changes in blood chemistry, specifically levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and pH. They provide vital information to the central nervous system to help regulate respiratory rates and maintain homeostasis. The function of peripheral chemoreceptors is essential for detecting hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) in the bloodstream, which can trigger an increase in breathing rate to improve oxygen uptake.

In contrast, the brainstem contains central chemoreceptors that primarily respond to changes in carbon dioxide and pH in the cerebrospinal fluid. The chest wall and liver do not specialize in chemoreception as their primary functions are related to ventilation and metabolic processes, respectively. Thus, the most accurate identification of the location of peripheral chemoreceptors is in the carotid and aortic bodies.